Free Nordic skiing and snowshoeing at multiple locations on Winter Trails Day

The Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports announces it will sponsor up to 100 young Vermonters’ ski or ride lessons during Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month in January.

“Vermonters love to be physically active all year, and our state is known far beyond its borders as a destination for snow sports,” said Governor Peter Shumlin. “As a cross country skier, I enthusiastically support the Council’s efforts to get Vermonters of all ages outdoors and active this winter.”

The Council’s new partnership with Ski Vermont, the statewide organizer of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, dovetails the association’s established learn-to program at several participating ski resorts with young Vermonters eager to get outdoors and try a new winter sport.

Vermont children ages 4-18 are eligible for a free ski or ride beginner lesson, equipment rentals and lift tickets while supplies last. Sign Up for This Offer . If the child is eligible (a Vermont resident, age 4-18) and supplies are available, they will be notified by email and a discount code will be made available for use when reserving a lesson at SkiVermont.com/Learn.

“This is an effort to introduce young Vermonters to winter sports and ultimately winter wellness,” said Council member Jen Butson. “It is our mission to connect Vermonters to these resources so that they don’t just maintain healthful amounts of physical activities throughout this winter season, but also make a perennial habit of it.”

Ski Vermont offers $29 beginners lift, professional lesson and rentals in January, 2014 for a third year. The beginner package includes equipment rental, a lesson and lift access to beginner terrain. Beginner packages are available one per person and there are holiday blackouts during New Year’s and Martin Luther King Jr. weekends. Minimum age and occupancy of lessons vary by resort.

In addition to this year’s Learn to Ski and Ride Month, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing are free at multiple locations during Winter Trails Day on Saturday, January 11. The inventory of snowshoes, skis and lesson space is limited. Contact participating ski areas to verify details and availability, and learn more at www.snowlink.com/wintertrails.aspx.

Winter Trails Day is a national program endorsed Ski Vermont and the Governor’s Council; it encourages children and adults to discover the great fitness and social benefits of these fun, easy-to-learn winter sports. Olympic Nordic skier and Vermonter Andy Newell also supports the Winter Trails initiative.

About: The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is a physical activity promotion and advocacy group comprised of approximately 20 volunteers, appointed by the Governor and representing a broad spectrum of Vermonters. Its mission is to promote health and wellness through physical activity for all people living in Vermont at all fitness and ability levels. Please visit http://vermontfitness.org/ and Fit and Healthy Kids on Facebook.